Final answer:
The difference threshold, or just noticeable difference (jnd), varies with the intensity of the stimulus, following Weber's Law. The absolute threshold is the minimum stimulus energy needed for detection 50% of the time. Decreased sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus, not provided in the options, is referred to as habituation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Difference Threshold and Absolute Threshold
When discussing the difference threshold, we are referring to the just noticeable difference (jnd), which is the minimum amount that a stimulus must change in order for a difference to be noticeable, detectable at least half the time. This concept is closely tied to Weber's Law, which states that the difference threshold is a constant fraction of the original stimulus.
As the magnitude of the standard stimulus increases, so does the difference threshold, meaning that more change is required to notice a difference in higher intensity stimuli.
For question 2, decreased sensitivity to an unchanging stimulus would be best described as habituation, which is not among the provided options. Thus, both options a. transduction and b. difference threshold are incorrect in this context.
An example of how the just noticeable difference can change as a function of stimulus intensity, as per question 27, could be the difficulty in noticing the increase in volume of a song when played at a loud party versus when played quietly in a calm room.
The absolute threshold is the minimum amount of stimulus energy required to be detected 50% of the time, an example of which is detecting a candle flame 30 miles away on a clear night. This level of sensitivity is a testament to the highly sensitive nature of our sensory receptors.
Your complete question is: As the magnitude of the standard stimulus increases, so does the difference threshold.
Constant= Difference threshold/Value of standard